Earlier this week, artist Victor French Jr, the son of late actor-director Victor French, breathed his last after a brief illness. He was 65. While details about the passing remain unknown, the Little House on the Prairie community is now mourning the loss.
The official Instagram page of the show’s 50th anniversary podcast (@littlehouse50podcast) announced the death on Monday. The black-and-white cover image was that of the recently departed. It was combined with the words, “Rest in Peace, Victor French Jr, 1960-2026.”
The caption followed:
“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Victor French Jr., a beloved member of the Little House community. Victor worked tirelessly to keep his father’s legacy alive through his kindness and dedication to the fans. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Thank you, Victor, for the joy you brought to us all.”
Victor French famously played Isaiah Edwards on more than fifty episodes of the Little House on the Prairie television series between 1974 and 1983. He occasionally directed a few episodes. Later, he also starred in the Little House TV movies: Look Back to Yesterday, The Last Farewell, and Bless All the Dear Children.
Victor Sr was married twice: first to Victor Jr’s mother, Judith Schenz, and later to actress, writer, and director Julie Cobb. Both ended in divorce.
He preceded his son in death in June 1989 when he succumbed to lung cancer three months after receiving the terminal diagnosis. French was 54.
Who were Victor French’s wives and children?
According to his IMDb, Victor French married Judith Schenz in January 1959. They welcomed three children: their only son Victor Jr (in 1960) and twin daughters, Tracy and Kelly (in 1962). The couple went their separate ways in July 1975.
Victor French remarried veteran actor Lee J. Cobb’s daughter Julie Cobb in March 1976, which ended 26 months later. The pair appeared opposite each other on the May 1977 stage production of Arthur Miller’s After the Fall.
Not much is known about Kelly. Tracy is an actress-producer. Her uncredited screen debut was in the final episode “Merry Christmas from Grandpa” of her dad’s TV series, Highway to Heaven, which aired in August 1989. Later, she became an executive producer for the 2003 film Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? and the 2012 documentary Free Throw.
Victor Jr studied fine arts at Los Angeles Valley College. While he spent the first half of his life in North Hollywood, CA, Mr French later moved to Jetersville, VA.
Victor Jr and Tracy appeared in the 2025 holiday cast reunion of Little House on the Prairie. Last September, Prairie Legacy Productions announced the addition via Facebook with an image of the brother-sister duo and their late father.
“We are honored to welcome the children of Victor French—Victor and Tracy French—to this year’s Holiday Little House on the Prairie Cast Reunion in Simi Valley, CA,” the caption began.
It continued to call Victor French “one of the most iconic and cherished figures” in the Little House history, adding:
“This December, his children will join us to share personal stories, celebrate his legacy, and connect with fans who continue to hold ‘Mr. Edwards’ close to their hearts. Join us for this unforgettable three-day event at Strathearn Historical Park featuring cast meet & greets, autographs, photo ops, holiday music, festive treats, and the premiere of the brand-new documentary Little House Homecoming.”
In November, Victor Jr and Tracy also made appearances on The Jim Masters Show to share their special memories with their father. His last post was on Christmas 2025.
Tracy French (who goes by Lee Tracy Hall-French on Facebook) paid tribute to her late brother.
“Always Remember. Rest in peace, Best brother in the world, Victor Allen French,” her post read with a few pictures of Vic Jr.
Alison Arngrim, one of the original cast members of Little House on the Prairie, also mourned the loss of Victor French Jr. Her Facebook message read as follows:
“Aw….man. Our dear Victor Jr. has left us. He was a purveyor of joy. A recruiter for happiness. He lit up the room. We will miss him very much. Ol Dan Tucker has sung his last chorus.”
Likewise, blogger Amy J. Falk-Berge fondly remember Victor French Jr. She wrote:
“I was deeply saddened to hear about his illness and passing. We met at the 40th reunion of Walnut Grove for Little House on the Prairie. I recall being taken aback when he appeared around the corner, as he bore a striking resemblance to his father,” she began.
Amy continued:
“I distinctly remember remarking that he was supposed to be deceased, mistaking him for his father, and this became a humorous anecdote that we shared for years as we continued to communicate. Now, I find myself thinking that he is reunited with his father. His passing will be deeply felt. I had been working on a get-well card for him, but upon hearing the news of his passing this morning, I transformed it into a memorial.”
The blogger called Victor French Jr an “exceptionally talented artist” and offered her “sincerest condolences” to his family.
Edited by Pallavi K